Arlington Filmmaker Wants To Stamp Out 'R-Word'

ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA9) -- It's a word so hurtful it's often referred to by its first letter. One Arlington filmmaker is devoting her life to making a film she hopes will open people's eyes about how the R-word hurts people with intellectual disabilities.

The issue is a personal one for Amanda Lukoff. Her sister Gabrielle has Down Syndrome, and she desperately wants people to think twice before they use the word 'retard' or call someone or something 'retarded,'

"Kids nowadays are growing up saying it. They're hearing their parents say it, and their friends at school. They're hearing it on the bus, hearing it all over TV and movies, so people are desensitized. People just don't realize. So that is why we are making this film," Lukoff said.

Gabrielle wants people to know she's independent, has traveled inside and outside the country and has feelings, just like everyone else.

To read more on this story, click here: Arlington Filmmaker Wants To Stamp Out 'R-Word'


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